Rhinoplasty, or plastic surgery of the nose, is one of the most common
procedures in plastic surgery. Rhinoplasty can
reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the
form of the tip of the nose of the bridge, narrow
the span of the nostrils, or change the angle
between the nose and the upper lip. It also can
correct birth defects or an injury, or can help
respiratory problems

Rhinoplasty can improve your appearance and
self-confidence, but, perhaps you will not reach
your ideal appearance, and it can not make people
treat you differently. “My advice to my patients is
that they should think carefully about their
expectations, and we talk them over”, the specialist
tells us. The best candidates for rhinoplasty are
the persons who wish to improve their appearance,
not to make it perfect. If you are in good health,
physically and mentally, if your expectations are
realistic, then you could be a good candidate.

Age also should be considered. In preference
teenagers between 13 and 15 are not operated, not
until they are fully grown. About 14-15 years old
for girls and a little more for boys. For
adolescents it is also important to consider social
and emotional adjustment, the operation should be
something they wish to have done, not their parents.

Dr. Patiño comments: “Having a good communication
with the patient is very important. “During the
first visit, I ask what appearance he desires his
nose to have, I evaluate the structure of the nose
and the face, and I talk to the patient about the
possibilities. I also explain about the factors that
can influence in the procedure and the results.
These factors could be the structure of cartilages
and bones of your nose, the shape of the face, the
thickness of the skin, your age and your
expectations”.

“I also explain the techniques and anesthesia to be used,
where the procedure is performed, the costs, and any
other information the patient needs to know”.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

“I give them very specific instructions of how to
prepare for surgery, including some suggestions
about what to eat and drink, about smoking, also
vitamins and what medication you should or should
not take, and about how to wash your face”, the
doctor tells us. If you follow these instructions
carefully you will help to have a more effective
surgery and without obstacles. As you prepare for
the surgery make sure to arrange for someone to take
you home afterwards and someone to help you for some
days, if necessary.

TYPES OF
ANESTHESIA

Rhinoplasty can be performed with local or general
anesthesia, it depends of the degree of the
procedure, and it also depends on what you and the
surgeon prefer.

With local anesthesia you are slightly sedated,
numbing your nose and the area next to it; you will
be awake during the procedure, even though you will
be relaxed and insensible to pain. With general
anesthesia you will be asleep during the whole
procedure.

THE SURGERY

Generally rhinoplasty takes from 1 to 2 hours,
although some more difficult procedures can take
longer.

During the surgery, skin from the nose is separated
from the bone and cartilage structure on which it
rests, which is then sculptured in the desired form.
The nature of the new form depends on your problem
and the techniques your surgeon prefers. Finally,
the skin is now placed over the new structure.

At the end of the surgery the doctor puts a splint
over the nose to help it keep its new shape. Also
some nasal fillings or soft plastic splints will be
introduced in your nostrils, to stabilize the
bridge, which is the wall that separates the
respiratory passages